Most of these societies have web sites on the Internet. Most are also members of the Federation of East European Family History Societies (FEEFHS). Individuals may also join FEEFHS and receive its journal. This organization has a web site, with links to its member societies, at:

Most of these societies have web sites on the Internet. Most are also members of the Federation of East European Family History Societies (FEEFHS). Individuals may also join FEEFHS and receive its journal. This organization has a web site, with links to its member societies, at:

Revision as of 14:17, 9 September 2008

Many societies and organizations have information that would help you in your genealogical research. The following links are for societies in Poland, as well as numerous societies dedicated to Polish genealogy in the countries Poles immigrated to, especially the United States. You may find it helpful to join one of these societies and support its efforts.

Most of these societies have web sites on the Internet. Most are also members of the Federation of East European Family History Societies (FEEFHS). Individuals may also join FEEFHS and receive its journal. This organization has a web site, with links to its member societies, at:

Contents

Genealogical Societies

Several genealogical societies emphasize Polish research. Most of these societies publish helpful periodicals, transcripts, and compiled genealogies and may have special indexes, collections, and projects. Many publish queries about Polish ancestors or maintain a list of members’ research interests. Some specialize in the immigrants to a specific area.

Historical Societies

Historical societies can be valuable sources of information on Poland. Similar societies exist in countries where Polish emigrants settled. These societies often collect information about Polish immigrants. Some may have information about specific Polish individuals. Many societies have special collections of books and manuscript material for Poland that may be difficult to find in libraries and archives. You may be interested in the services, activities, and collections of the following historical societies:

Fraternal Societies

Your ancestor or relative may have belonged to an association, lodge, or fraternal society whose membership is based on common interests, religion, or ethnicity. These societies were involved in political, social, and financial activities, including life and burial insurance.

Several sources, such as local histories, biographies, obituaries, tombstones, family records, and artifacts, may give you clues that an ancestor belonged to a fraternal society. Examples of these societies include:

You may be able to get genealogical information from fraternal organizations by writing to them.

Locating Records at the Family History Library

Records of these societies are usually described in the Author/Title section of the Family History Library Catalog under the name of the society. They are also listed in the Place Search of the catalog under:

POLAND - SOCIETIES

POLAND, (COUNTY) - SOCIETIES

POLAND - GENEALOGY

POLAND, (COUNTY) - GENEALOGY

Some records gathered by societies are listed in the locality section of the Family History Library Catalog under the type of record. For example, cemetery transcripts gathered by a genealogical society are listed in the catalog under:

POLAND, (COUNTY) - CEMETERIES

Lists and guides that describe the collections of societies are listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalog under: